Canada moves to privatize major airports amid concerns over climate impacts

The Ottawa government announced that Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau, Calgary and Vancouver airports will remain publicly owned but will be operated by private companies, a move presented by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The NDP and the Canadian Labour Congress have already voiced resistance, citing possible higher fees and job losses. Climate analysts say the proposal fails to address how privatization could increase aviation emissions, pointing to Australian experience where private leasing led to a 30% rise in terminal size and billions in new infrastructure.

A recent Tyndall Centre report highlighted that expanding Heathrow's capacity under private ownership would breach the UK's carbon budget, adding 4.5 megatonnes of CO2 annually by 2054. Experts also fear private airport owners will oppose high-speed rail projects to protect airline revenues, a pattern observed in the UK. Air Canada, a major airport tenant, is part of a consortium bidding on the Alto high-speed rail line, prompting rail advocates to question its motives. Officials say stakeholder consultations will begin before any final agreement is reached.